Best route to go for new dac?


Hello. I am looking for a better dac. I am currently using My MacBook Pro with a dragon fly red. Audioquest golden gate 3.5mm to RCA to McIntosh Ma 252. audio quest type 4 to Revel Perfoma3 F206 Speaks and SVS SB3000 sub. The sub has Audioquest Black lab IC. I have around 1000 bucks. Best route to go? I mainly use Tidal. Thank you!


discopete

Showing 2 responses by phcollie

Op, there are so many choices and everyone has their favorite. I suggest you avoid the "measurement" trap, the lowest SINAD numbers will not equate to the best sound. Audition a few that have a well put together analog stage and choose what you like to hear.
In a resolving system, the DAC is much more than a chip. 
Ignoring the sales pitch at the beginning, this video is worth watching to understand the importance of the analog stage. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=McoA82-fi9s
Edit...."The Best SINAD #s"....Did not mean to say "Lowest".  Higher is actually preferred.